Young boys scuffle over fat-shaming, HC asks them to do yoga, control anger

Two young Muslim boys, who got into a scuffle over fat-shaming comment, have been asked to go on an eight-week yoga session for anger management by the high court. Quashing the FIR, the court further asked the police to arrange for psychological counselling of the boys so they are groomed to be good citizens.

Psychologists are of the opinion that the families of the boys need to be counselled, too. This, they say, is a rampant social issue and concerns not just an individual but the society at large.

According to case details Sarfaraz Agha, 15, abused and assaulted Suleiman Ansari, 18, for fat shaming him. Both the boys are residents of Valsad and the incident took place outside a mosque. The matter escalated and Sarfaraz assaulted Suleiman.

The minor’s father even allegedly threatened to kill Suleiman’s father. Based on Suleiman’s version, the police lodged an FIR against Sarfaraz and his father Rafiq and booked them under IPC Sections 323 and 504. Later, the feuding parties arrived at a compromise since they live in the same locality, and filed a petition in HC seeking to quash the FIR.

When the petition came up for hearing before Justice Gokani, she sought to know the reason behind the aggressive behaviour of the two boys. The boys turned up with their parents in the court on November 30.

Sarfaraz, the minor, told the court that Suleiman teased him by calling him ‘fat’. He told the judge that he was unable to control his anger and abused Suleiman right back. When Suleiman retaliated, Sarfaraz’s father Rafiq slapped him repeatedly.

‘Dropout should resume school’ Asked about his education, Suleiman, 18, told the judge that he dropped out of school after failing Class 10 exam. He said he had no interest in studies, found it difficult to concentrate on books and was helping his uncle in business.

After talking to the boys, the judge decided to drop charges against minor Sarfaraz. She observed that Sarfaraz needed to undergo anger management and counselling sessions while Suleiman should complete his schooling. The court entrusted the responsibility of the same to the investigating officer of Valsad police.

“Arrange training of both the boys in a reputed institute of yoga for a period of eight weeks (on weekends) and if necessary, they shall also be given the sessions of consultation by child psychologist/educationalists,” court directed, and sought a compliance report in three months.

The court asked the investigating officer to speak to the principal and teachers of the school where Suleiman studied and refer him to the medical board to ascertain if he suffered from dyslexia. “Speak to the principal and teachers of the school last attended by Suleiman to find out about his disinterest in studies as part of his social policing; if necessary, refer him to the Medical Board to find out whether he is suffering from dyslexia or any other disability and do the needful in the matter in consultation with his parents,” the court order stated.

The high court also directed the police to make all attempts and provide assistance to Suleiman to complete schooling and stated that District Legal Services Authority could render assistance to police if required.

Sarfaraz’s lawyer expressed his gratitude towards the court following the order. “Words fall short in expressing gratitude and appreciation for the concern shown and the efforts made by the court with regard to future prospects of the children,” said Nasir Saiyad, lawyer.

Dr V M Thakur, a child psychiatrist, said this was a rampant problem and not related to any individual but to the society. Thakur said, “Punishing boys or sending them for yoga sessions or counselling would not solve the problem. The family of the boys should teach them tolerance. It is a trend in the society to punish those who did wrong. So we need to focus on making the society better.”

“This case represents a social problem. I wish the court had included recommendation of family counselling.

The family is the unit of the society, not the individual,” he added. Behaviour issues mainly because of dyslexia, lack of confidence, inability of others (teachers, parents, peers) to understand genuine difficulties of students lead to frustration and anger issues, said Iti Shukla, psychologist.

“This is also related to a societal problem. Some parents teach children ‘maar khake nahi aaneka, maar ke aaneka (thrash the one that beats you), so gradually kids start doing it. The society is also responsible as it teaches that one must punish those who do wrong,” Shukla said.

“Due to all these problems selfimage goes down and if others tease/bully, teenagers find difficult to control anger,” she added.

Punishing boys or sending them for yoga sessions or counselling would not solve the problem... It is a trend in the society to punish those who did wrong.

Dr VM Thakur, child psychiatrist

Words fall short in expressing gratitude and appreciation for the concern shown and the efforts made by the court with regard to future prospects of the children

Nasir Saiyad, lawyer

Psychological assessment and psychotherapy sessions will help them (teenagers) to solve the problem and develop ability to deal with problems in future

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